For use in 2003

[Barbara]

I have Word 2007 but most of my co-workers are still on 2003. We need to lock
some cells in a table so people cannot make an entry. We cannot lock the
whole document as it is a 48 page template. I know I can do this in 2007 but
is there a way to do it so it will work in 2003 format?

 

[Stefan Blom]

What method are you using in Word 2007? Word 2003 supports the same "Editing
restrictions" as Word 2007 does. Look in the Restrict Formatting and Editing
pane (Review tab | Protect Document) or the Protect Document pane in Word
2003 (Tools | Protect Document).

 

[Barbara]

I was using the form fields---text and drop downs. When I save it without
locking it down, then those fields are not enabled. For example, the
drop-down does not have an arrow indicating a drop-down and anyone can type
in the locked text field (fill in enabled is not checked). If I copy the
table into 2003 and protect it, it works. That's the problem, we can't
protect the whole template as they need to type in the other areas and I
can't possibly make all those areas text fields.

I thought about finding a pc with 2003, creating a document with just the
tables so I can lock it down then inserting it as an object into 2007
template. Will that work? Will they be able to update the document object in
the 2007 template?

I save everything in compatible mode.

Thanks,

 

[Stefan Blom]

If you are saying that you want certain areas of the document to be more
freely editable, you can insert section breaks and then leave one or more
sections unprotected. Once at least one section break is in place, you can
click the "Select sections" option (under "Editing restrictions"); clear the
sections that shouldn't be protected. This option is fully backward
compatible with Word 97-2003.

 

[Barbara]

It's only certain cells in tables in a section. I'm attaching the template so
you can see. It's Chapter 11. You will see the cells that I have added
drop-downs or text fields to.

I will play around with the section breaks but it's not a whole section just
certain tables.

Thanks,

 

[Barbara]

I know I've attached things before but I'm not seeing the option here. Let me
know how to send you the template.

 

[Barbara]

I tried the section break and it doesn't seem to work. I set protection for
Limited Editing for fill in forms but it still allows me to type anywhere.
Also, I still don't get the drop-downs because it's a .dot file.

 

[Stefan Blom]

You can send the document, or a copy with the relevant parts, to
(e-mail address removed). Be sure to explain carefully in the e-mail what you
are trying to accomplish.

 

[Doug Robbins - Word MVP]

Attachments are not permitted in these newsgroups.

You cannot protect individual cells in a table. You would have to put the
whole table in a Section and then apply the protection to that Section.

This is the same in all versions of Word.

--
Hope this helps,

Doug Robbins - Word MVP

Please reply only to the newsgroups unless you wish to obtain my services on
a paid professional basis.

 

[Doug Robbins - Word MVP]

The protection that you need to apply is for "Filling in Forms".

Alternatively, run a macro that contains the command

ActiveDocument.Protect wdAllowOnlyFormFields, NoReset

--
Hope this helps,

Doug Robbins - Word MVP

Please reply only to the newsgroups unless you wish to obtain my services on
a paid professional basis.

 

[Barbara]

I managed to use a pc that has 2003 and what you suggest works great. It does
not work in 2007 when I save it in compatible format.